Knoel Scott

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF JAZZ MUSICIANS

Scott, Knoel Ajiboye (Noel Scott) Scott, Knoel Ajiboye [Noel Scott], alto saxophonist; b. Baltimore, MD, 18 July 1956. He's the son of Brooks and Kathaniel Walker Scott, brother to James Roy Herrington of New Orleans, William Michael Scott of Jamaica Queens NY, Gene Walker, Lance Walker, and Jann Walker Young of Chester S. Carolina. Raised by Deacon Robert Vincent Nero and Edith Octavia Nero of Jamaica Queens.

Studied piano at age 10. Started clarinet at age 12, alto sax a year later and baritone sax throughout jr and senior High school. Played baritone sax in the Queens Boro-wide band. Graduated Music Honors from Andrew Jackson HS in 1974. Studied at Queens College from 1974-76. Studied Music of the African -American Tradition under Multi- instrumentalist, woodwind specialist, educator, (Dr. Ken (Makanda) McIntyre and percussionist Warren Smith. from 1976-79 Graduating from State University of New York-College at Old Westbury with Academic Honors in1979. Joined Warren Smiths Composers Workshop Ensemble while becoming part of the Harlem Jazz community in1978. Recruited by Sun Ra under recommendation of trombonist Craig Harris in July 1979. Knoel Scott has recorded on alto, tenor, baritone sax, flute, and contra-alto clarinet. Between 1981 and 88, Knoel worked with Olu Dara, Seleno Clarke, Bobby Forrester, Jack McDuff, Lawrence 88 Keys, Andy Razaf, and became a fixture at Harlem clubs like Showmans Cafe, Smalls Paradise, Red Rooster, Lickety Split, and La Famille to name a few. Sun Ra called Knoel back to the Arkestra in 1988 and Knoel became Sun Ra's aide during the years Sun Ra was disabled by stroke. Knoel next served as assistant to Marshall Allen as Marshall became Director of the Sun Ra Arkestra in 1995. In 1998 Knoel began working on a concept he labeled BeBop and Beyond, recording and leading an ensemble playing his original compositions. Knoel is currently active in Philadelphia concentrating on the alto sax, playing with the Sun Ra Arkestra and his BeBop and Beyond Ensemble.

He married Sharon Myers of Hartfort Conn. in 1983. He's the father of Naomi Brooke Scott (b. 5/16/81) and Nilelijah Scott (b. 11/2/82). Divorced in 2006.

Recordings: BeBop and Beyond knoel Scott Live in Philly 2002 Live In Alaska (BMP) 2007

Recording with Sun Ra on Omniverse, On Jupiter, Strange Celestial Road,Sleeping Beauty, Live at Vilislau (Sunrise in Different Dimentions), Mayan Temples, Live in London, Second star to the right(Tribute to Walt Disney) and at least 20 other LPs.

Recordings with Sun Ra Arkestra dir. by marshall allen A Sun for the Sun..El Ra records 1997 Music from tomorrows World 2001 Live at the Paradox....2005

The Muffins........loveletter #2, Terry Adams .....Terrible Seleno Clarke.....Diversity

Contact information: Knoel resides at the Sun Ra Residence: 5626 Morton St Philadelphia, PA 19144 (215)-438-9007

Awards

Inducted into Gemantown Hall of Fame 2001 Piladelphia/USA Acknowledged by Whos Who in Fairbanks publication, 2005 Princess Cruises citation for employess excelence as resident Jazz Musician 2006